Release History V16-2 Build 8200

General Points

A new feature in the Check Center is the option to check the construction for timbers with manual contour. Components that for example have either been punched or edited in the object details mode are listed in the Check Center under the heading “Members with contour editings”. If a component with contour is deleted or the contour in the timber’s master data is undone, the component will automatically disappear from the Check Center. As of now, the number of untreated conflicts is displayed next to the corresponding heading. In addition, it is also possible to shift nodes within the same hierarchy level by drag&drop to create a better overview in the Check Center.

As of now, colour settings, display settings (F7) and pre-settings (Alt+F7) are automatically saved together with the ground plan of the building project. On the one hand, this guarantees that the content and the design of plans is permanently fixed and on the other hand construction details such as, for example, notches for eaves boarding, ridge shortenings or planed areas are saved together with the project. As of Version 16.2, the start settings of the colour settings, the display settings (F7), and the pre-settings (Alt+F7) are saved together with the project’s ground plan from the global directory of the SEMA program. Needless to say, these settings can be “changed” anytime by loading different settings.

There are four different functions available for loading and saving the colour settings that are opened under “View” -> “Colour settings”. The settings can be directly saved together with or loaded from the current ground plan via “Save” or “Load”. With “Save as template” or “Load from template” settings can saved directly with or loaded from the templates directory. The difference is that settings saved as templates are available in each building project. If settings are loaded from a template, the SEMA program will automatically copy this setting into the current ground plan. Loading and saving settings with the ground plan or loading and saving from templates works the same way in the per-settings (Alt+F7) as under the colour settings. However, it has been made sure that various user-specific settings, such as e.g. the operation of the mouse, system paths or links, remain untouched. When global pre-settings (Alt+F7) are loaded from a template, this Alt+F7 setting is automatically saved with the ground plan of the respective/open building project. Manual changes in the active pre-settings (Alt+F7) must of course be carried out manually via the “Save” button. When a project of another designer is opened, the last-used pre-settings (Alt+F7) are automatically used so that structural settings such as notches for eaves boarding, planed areas or ridge shortening will not be lost. To make sure plans are permanently available, the new options for saving have also been integrated into the display settings (F7). There, too, users can find the new functions “Save”, “Load”, “Save as template”, “Load from template”. As accustomed, it is possible to allocate display settings (F7) to each arrangement border via the quick selection in the top tool bar. The quick selection has been subdivided by the headings “Used in project” and “Template”. When display settings (F7) are selected under the “Template” heading, this setting is allocated to the current arrangement border and the program automatically files this setting together with the ground plan. Thus, this display setting (F7) will be permanently with the ground plan; the original setting (i.e. the template) remains in its place and can be used in other projects. However, display settings (F7) can also be allocated by calling up the display settings (F7) via the shortcut key “F7” in an active arrangement border. Then, users only have to load settings from the template and the program will automatically file them together with the arrangement border or the respective ground plan. Needless to say, it is possible to subsequently make changes in the allocated display settings (F7). For that purpose, the display settings (F7) of an arrangement border have to be opened, the change(s) made and then be saved together with the ground plan via the “Save” option. On saving, the program checks whether or not these display settings (F7) are already used in other arrangement borders or plans. If yes, a message appears, displaying a list of the plan(s) that contain the arrangement borders with the respective settings. It is now possible to save the settings under a new name or to overwrite the existing settings. When saving the settings under a new name, the changes made will only impact the active arrangement border. When overwriting the settings, all arrangement borders that access these display settings (F7) will be changed. The same message appears when display settings (F7) are loaded from the template and there are already changed display settings (F7) in the ground plan with the same name. In addition, changed display settings (F7) are indicated with an asterisk after having been changed. Users can thus see immediately that changes have been made. All these settings will of course also be copied when copying the ground plan, just as they will also be saved when a project is filed as template in the Building Project Manager. It is therefore for example possible to file a template for a log construction with different pre-settings (Alt+F7) as a template for a timber-framed construction. Due to these new features, the most important settings remain together with the ground plan and cannot get lost. <Feature Film Project Settings>

The function “Transparent areas” (so far only available in the 3D floating menu) has been integrated into the display settings (F7) under “Pictures+3D“ -> “Visualisation” so that this function can now be permanently stored as template for display settings (F7).

Some further details have been enhanced in the presentation mode. (Winkler)

GRD, CAD, DIM, MCAD

The bottom and top edge of horizontal timber components can now be evaluated via the placeholders @B-BAUTEIL-UK@ and @B-BAUTEIL-OK@. (Martin and others)

Roof Design

Problems relating to the profile name occurred when choosing a specific approach for the creation of profile rafters. These have been fixed. (Gentner)

Coverings Roof

The input of offsets for the various roof layers has been enabled for the edge type “Plank”. (Moobie)

Rafter System

Inserting closing boards in lowered rafters has been improved. (Heckel)

A problem occurring under the 3D view of DT-mortises has been fixed. (Bachmann)

The maximum input width of rafters has been increased. (Brücker, Sutter)

When inserting storey macros, the height position of purlins was not correct in specific cases - this has been corrected. (Strüby, Barel)

Wall Floor

As of now, only the objects of the current wall will be marked when the space bar is used for marking macros, windows or doors in wall view.

Sheet Metal

The so-called Profile Editor is another new feature in Version 16.2. This feature enables easy and convenient adaption of folding profiles’ geometry. Each building site is different with different demands on each individual trade. A great number of different folding profiles, adapted to the respective circumstances, are thus required. The SEMA program provides comprehensive master data in terms of folding profiles – but, as a matter of course, it cannot provide fitting components with the correct dimensions for each and every situation. It is therefore possible to change existing master data via the profile geometry or create completely new sheet metal folding profiles that can be individually adapted to the specific situation. For that purpose, the function “Profile geometry” has been added to the master data of the sheet metal folding profiles. By starting this function, the graphic profile editor will open, displaying all lines, circular arcs and foldovers of the sheet metal profile with the respective angles and lengths. In the bottom part of the editor it is possible to change the profile elements. It starts with the first profile element which is marked in the drawing in red. The pull-down menu of “Elements” lists all profile elements contained. It is therefore possible to directly select the profile element to be changed. The properties “Angle” and “Length” can be entered for the profile element “Line”. For a “Foldover” (which has been reduced to 180°), the folding “left” or “right” can be entered as well as a length dimension. A circular arc is determined by the “Arc angle”, the “Radius” and the number of “Segments” it is to be divided up. Input "Segments: 0" will have a circular line drawn and displayed. The minimum value of segments is "3". The input options of the various profile elements make sure that each profile can be changed in any way.

The profile editor also makes it possible to select profile elements directly in the drawing. Each line, angle or dimension figure can be snapped with the mouse and the program (input area) then switches to the respective marked element. In the top icon bar there are further icons in addition to the general drawing window icons. The icon "Check/Measure in drawing” enables the measuring of distances, line lengths and angles. With the icon "Label profile elements" the profile elements’ dimensions and angles can be switched on and off. The “Delete element” option becomes active as soon as you have reached the last profile element. Only the last profile element can be deleted. The “Attach new element” option is always active and attaches a new element always to the last element. The options “Line”, “Circular arc” and “Foldover” are available in the selection menu. The selected profile element is attached with default values and can be changed accordingly in the input area. If all profile elements of a sheet metal profile are deleted (for example, in order to create a new profile), only the options “Line” and “Circular arc” will be available for the first element. It is not possible to exit or close the editor without at least one profile element. With the new profile editor, existing sheet metal folding profiles can be easily adapted, changed or even created anew.

The input reference of sheet metal folding profiles has been enhanced. When a folding profile is imported, changed or newly created, the input reference has to be defined or modified. The input reference too now has a “Label profile element” icon. Users can thus immediately see in the drawing the respective profile element. With the “Element reference” and “Element intersection” options, it is also possible to directly snap the required lines in the drawing by mouse.

The editing command “Punch” for sheet metal components has been fundamentally enhanced and optimised. So far, it has been possible to punch one sheet metal component at right angles to the creation plane. As of now, it is possible to punch all sheet metal components in all planes and drawings. For example, up to now, the valley flashing on the eaves could only be punched at right angles to creation plane 1. Accordingly, creation plane 2 was punched jointly – however, not at right angles. As of now, when the same punching is carried out in top view, this will be a right-angled punching, independent of the creation planes. Another example is the circular opening of a roof panel where the opening is given the shape of an ellipse for those components that lie with the pitch. With this new feature, sheet metal components can be punched from each drawing plane, sectional view or view. <Feature Film Punching Sheet Metal Components>

The cutting angle for panels is now available as a placeholder. This placeholder is especially required for the export of the material list to a template in connection with the feed length of profiling machines. As accustomed, the placeholders can be allocated by a right-click into the field of a ML tab, "Insert placeholder". The placeholders "Cutting angle at the start" and "Cutting angle at the end" have been integrated under “Component”.

As of now, collisions of sheet metal panels will be identified in the Check Center. What’s more, the program registers so-called fold conflicts that occur between two sheet metal panels. In order to have a building project checked for collisions, the command “Construction check” (at the top of the Check Center) has to be selected. Then, a menu will open up, providing the following options: check current wall, check marked walls, check all timber components in the storey, or all timber components in the ground plan. All timber components existing in the building project and now also all sheet metal panels are checked. In case of a collision between two sheet metal panels, the program will list these panels in the tree structure (top part of Check Center). In addition, the program detects whether there are two sheet metal panels with identical fold designs next to each other and will then also list them under “Fold conflict”. The progress of the construction check is displayed in the bottom of the Check Center (Additional information). A construction check can be stopped by clicking “Cancel”. After the calculation of the components, users will be informed whether or not collisions or fold conflicts have been identified. <Feature Film Collision Check for Sheet Metal Panels>

Stairs

Elegant and exclusive stairs railings with volutes and turnouts can now be perfectly designed. In the data record of the handrail and the rail a volute can be assigned to the first or last step under the “Des” tap. The two new components can be accessed via the quick selection: Under the group “Volute”, the sub-groups “vertical”, “rising” and “horizontal” are available and users find examples for volutes and turnouts. When a volute or a turnout is assigned, the baluster spacing of the stairs changes and the last-step post is placed under the new component. When a volute or a turnout is marked and then “Modify” selected, the data record of the component opens. The general differentiation is between the volute type and its orientation. Under type, the options “Volute” and “Turnout” are available, for the orientation “vertical”, “rising” and “horizontal”. Depending on the selection, the input fields under the “Radiuses and angles” and “Height definition” menus change. Under “Radiuses and angles” the required radiuses and angles are defined. “Radius 1” and “Angle 1” start from the existing handrail. To make the input easier, there are always a screen image and a help image in which the different radiuses and angles are shown. The input options under the “Height definition” depend on the orientation of the component. If a volute or a turnout has a horizontal orientation, the options are “Height of the volute in reference to the TR (tread)” or “Radius of the connecting component”. If the option “Height of the volute in reference to the TR” is used, the height of the component can be determined via the tread and the component is created on this height if the set minimum radius at the transition is not too small. However, if the resulting radius is below the minimum radius, the component will be created at the height that meets the minimum radius. If a volute is used on both sides of the stairs, this option makes sure both volutes are at the same height if the radius is not below the minimum radius. With “Radius of the connecting component” a fixed radius can be set. This is the best approach when pre-produced volutes are used. If the volute or turnout is “rising”, only the angle of the connecting wreath has to be defined. It “follows” the inclination of the handrail up to the set angle and then connects to the volute. <Feature Film Elegant and Exclusive Balustrading Components> If the volute or turnout has an upright (vertical) orientation, the volute connects directly to the handrail, without transition component. This also means that all input options for the height are inactive. For all orientations, the volute can be defined with a distance to the last step. If a horizontal volute is marked, its height can be changed via the “Position” command. And with the “Position of the volute” command, the height of the volute in reference to the tread top edge can be changed. Here users can either enter the height or simply move the volute in 3D to the required height. This works quite similarly as for the “Shift 2D/3D” option. The best input form is “Shifting component parallel”. In the input field a reference point and the distance have to be entered. Except with a vertical orientation, volutes always consist of two components: the volute itself and a connecting component. In case of a horizontal orientation this is a curved handrail, in case of a rising orientation a wreath. For all components there are elevation drawings and developed-view drawings available. For production, these components can be output via the “Stairs auto output” to a plotter or printer and via the “Machine export” to a machine.

For the positioning of palings there is now in the palings field the possibility to assign a distance from the center of the intersection. For that purpose, the “Offset FE” and “Offset BE” fields were integrated. The entered distance is then calculated from the center of the intersection and only takes effect if under “Spacing” the “Reference” is set on “Front edge” and “Back edge”. <Feature Film Covered End-Grain Wood on Bracketed Stairs>

To avoid visible end-grain wood on bracketed stairs (cut-string stairs), it is now possible to connect cut strings and risers with a mitre cut.For that purpose, the new “CP” (connection point) tab has been added to the data record of risers. Here, the “Connection string cut” option with either “Cut, left” or “Cut, right” is available. Apart from the existing possibilities “Auto”, “Riser edge” and “right-angled” there is now also a “Mitre” option and a “free angle”. The mitre connection is executed in such a way that no end-grain wood is visible between string cut and riser. The connection of the riser with the string cut can either be carried out based on the connection, based on the riser or for the entire construction. This new feature makes bracketed stairs look even more elegant and refined.

With return nosings on the tread, the end-grain wood of treads on non-mortised stairs can be covered.In the data record of the tread under the “Inp” tab, the input of return nosings for the left and right side of treads are available. Further parameters are depths (thickness), projection and radius. With “Depth left” or “Depth, right” the thickness of the return nosing is defined. The entered value is calculated from the step side edge inwards. “Projection” defines how far the return nosing projects over the tread back edge. And with “Radius” the new side edges of the tread resulting from the return nosing can be rounded. If treads and return nosings are produced on a machine, users have to make sure that the rounding radius entered here is the same or bigger than the radius of the milling cutters used on the machine. <Feature Film Covered End-Grain Wood on Bracketed Stairs>

In 3D and top view return nosings can be identified by their projections. The way the tread changed by the return nosing can be seen in the developed-view drawing of the tread. The return nosing can be applied per step side, per step or for the entire construction. The return nosings created are evaluated in the material list and can be printed via the “Stairs auto output” or be exported to a production machine. For the printing output or the export to a machine, users find the “Tread return nosing” either in the “Drawing” or the “Component” column of the “Print output” menu or the “Machine export” menu. Here, like for all other components, a plan template, display settings and a scale can be defined. To be able to fix the un-machined component for production in the machine, an enlarged un-machined component is usually necessary. For that purpose, the values can be entered under the “Parameter for return nosing printing” option. Here an offset for the edges on the inside and outside can be allocated.

In the master data of the Stairs -> “Construction” -> “Tread” under the “Steps” group, users find an example of a tread with return nosing: “50 mm oak with return nosing”. It can be found in the stairs “Type A BAL B”, “Type A BAL L” and “Type A BAL R” under “Stairs” -> “Construction” -> “Bracketed stairs”.With the end-grain wood covered, bracketed stairs become more elegant and exclusive.

3D Objects

With the respective settings, 3D objects can now also have an “Information tab” (Inf). This tab gives information about the object and, where appropriate, it displays all contained objects that are to be transferred to the material list. The heading (in bold letters) displays the name and the number of the respective objects. Below this heading there are relevant entries of the “ML tab”, followed by the existing file attachments and hyperlinks. The information cannot be edited, it is read-only information. Hyperlinks, however, can be called up directly. The “Information tab” can also be accessed by means of the “Check function” in the component hint under the option “Check component (Ctrl+4)“. 3D objects and the respective objects contained can now be displayed directly and in a concise manner by means of this new feature.

Structural Analysis

As of now, the structural calculation of hip and valley rafters as individual loads can be executed as point loads on the purlin in the load dialog.

Saving the positions of hip and valley rafters has been revised and enhanced in some detail. (Adlerhaus)

Single Member

Saving and loading machine data. Controlling one or several wood-working machines with individual settings made easy. For the optimal management of several machine export settings, it is now possible to save such settings. In Single Member the export menu for wood-working machines and sheet-metal working machines has been improved and new functions have been added. So it is now possible to save several machine configurations for each machine type and then load them again individually when needed. When saved, the settings and paths of the export menu, the general settings and the forms of processing are filed. When in the export menu of the required machine, the settings made before can be saved with a name via the “Save” command. Under the selected directory a file with the ending “MKF” (machine configuration) is saved. When loading such a setting, the following warning will appear: “When loading a new machine configuration, all active settings for the export to the production machine are overwritten. Do you want to save the current and active export settings before loading the new machine configuration?” Afterwards there are three options: With “Yes” the active settings can be saved and then the required machine configuration can be loaded. With “No” the required machine configuration can the loaded immediately. “Cancel” brings the user back to the export menu. Once users are familiar with the process, they can deactivate this warning by ticking the box “Do not show this warning anymore in the future”. If “Standard” is selected in the export menu, the basic setting that comes with the SEMA program is loaded. And again, also here the above mentioned warning will appear. In the software the “Configuration” command can be dragged into an icon bar via the customized menu. When then exporting components from the software, all machine export settings are available for selection. This means users do not have to go via the general program settings (Alt F7) and change the type of machine. For companies with several wood-working machines this offers a valuable advantage because they can save special machine configuration for each machine and then have them always directly available. Companies without their own machines that work together with several production companies can get the machine configurations from their partners and are thus able to check all the different machine exports directly. Companies with one machine can manage, change and save different processings forms and machine settings with this new feature. <Feature Film Saving and Loading Machine Data>

Master Data Macro, Program

As of SEMA Version 16.2, the SEMA data store provides system-related master-data folders for the creation of conservatories/wintergardens in timber/aluminium constructions. Apart from the “Wintergarden 1-01” master data there are additional “Description of contents” and the link to the SEMA homepage as well as a “Sample project”, the “SEMA settings” and “Instructions” for the creation of a conservatory/wintergarden. With a click on the “Sample project” or the “SEMA settings”, these can be directly embedded into the SEMA program or saved in any desired place by a right-click. The sample project is divided into various ground plans so that the creation of conservatories is easy to follow. Also helpful are the “Instructions” which explain how to create the “Sample project” and how to manage the wintergarden master data. As accustomed, the wintergarden master data can be embedded into the SEMA program directly from the SEMA data store via the “Install” button. For this process, it is possible to determine the required language (German, English, French, Italian, Czech, Chinese). Among other things, the master data comprise aluminium glazing profiles in different thicknesses and designs and the fitting glass panes for roof and wall glazing. More information about the exact contents of the master data can be found in the description of the contents. <Feature Film Wintergardens with SEMA>

The function “File as new master data“ is now available in open links, too. If, for example, a rafter is marked and the command “Modify” is selected, then it is possible to open the “Eaves” reference under the “End” tab. It is now possible to save this end type. Likewise, it is also possible to file open links of wall master data - such as timber members, layers or materials - directly as master data.

IFC Import/Export

The file formats “.ifc“ and “.ifczip” have been added to the IFC Import/Export. Thus, IFC files with the extensions “.ifc“ and “.ifczip“ can be directly embedded into the SEMA program with no conversion required. IFC files with the currently used extensions “.ifcxml“ and “.ifczip(xml)“ can still be imported or exported. During the export the file extension of the IFC file to be exported is determined under the select menu or respectively the file format of the import. Just as in the previous version, the import can be also carried out via drag & drop.

In addition, standard steel profiles have been added to the import. As of now, imported IFC files with defined standard steel profiles (L-, U-, T-, Z-, I-profile, round and rectangular profiles) are automatically created as true SEMA components by the program. <Feature Film BIM – IFC Import and Export>

Measuring Systems

The display of the X-, Y-, and Z-coordinate and their respective value abbreviations has been added to the information output of 3CAD measuring points. The X-coordinate, the Y-coordinate, or the Z-coordinate and their abbreviation values can be activated/deactivated in the display settings (F7) under “General” -> “3CAD” -> “Measuring points”. If the respective information is activated in the display settings (F7), it is displayed in the flag of the measuring point. The corresponding character for the coordinate is shown together with the value abbreviation. The following placeholders are provided for the evaluation of measuring points in the “Insert placeholders/variables” menu under “Component”: measuring point X-coordinate, measuring point Y-coordinate and measuring point Z-coordinate.

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